How to remove the restrictions of Android 11 on Xiaomi: hidden features and bypass locks

Owners of Xiaomi smartphones with an update to Android 11 often face unexpected limitations that were absent in previous versions of the operating system. Google has introduced stringent security requirements that manufacturers, including Xiaomi, have to implement at the core level, leading to customization methods such as changing screen resolution or color depth through the use of a device. ADB-teams that have stopped working or have been blocked by the manufacturer.

The main problem lies in the Scoped Storage mechanism and the new rules for accessing system files. Users can no longer simply access the Android/data folder or change the display settings with standard developer tools. However, enthusiasts and technicians have found workarounds to regain full control of the device without the need for Root rights, which often entail a loss of warranty.

In this article, we will discuss current methods of removing restrictions relevant to the shells MIUI 12, MIUI 12.5 and MIUI 13 based on Android 11. You will learn how to reactivate hidden menus, disable aggressive battery optimization for background applications and return the ability to fine-tune the interface. It is important to understand that any manipulation of system parameters requires care, but the methods described below are safe if you follow the instructions.

Reasons for the limitations in Android 11 on Xiaomi

The move to Android 11 marked a paradigm shift in privacy, with Google implementing a “Privacy First” policy that directly affected customization capabilities, and Xiaomi devices blocking commands that previously allowed you to change the screen refresh rate or DPI (pixel density) through a computer, and now the system checks the digital signature of the variables, and if it does not match the system, the action is blocked.

In addition, the MIUI shell adds its own layer of constraints. The aggressive energy saving system by default “kills” background processes, which interferes with the work of messengers, activity trackers and smart home. The user often does not even suspect that the restriction is caused not by an application failure, but by system settings. The critical change was the concealment of the “Security” section in the developer menu, which previously allowed to disable MIUI Optimization with a single button.

Another factor is blocking access to the file system. In earlier versions, it was easy to clear the cache of system services or replace fonts. Now accessing the root directories requires the use of special file managers with SAF (Storage Access Framework) or connection via ADB with special access rights, this is done to protect against malware, but significantly complicates the lives of advanced users.

⚠️ Note: Change of system parameters through ADB Before starting procedures, make sure you have the option to reset to factory settings if the device stops responding to touch.

Preparing a smartphone to remove restrictions

Before you start the action, you need to configure the device correctly. Without the preparatory stage, further instructions simply will not be executed by the system. First of all, you need to activate the hidden menu for developers. To do this, go to Settings → About phone and quickly click 7-10 times on the field of the MIUI version until you notice that you have become a developer.

Then we should include the debugging of USB. Go to Settings. → Advanced settings → For developers, find the "Debugging by" item. USB" You also need to turn on the "Installation through" option. USB" and "Debugging by" USB (only for safety" if available. On some versions MIUI In order to activate these items, insert SIM-Card and log in to Mi-account.

Don’t forget to check out the Android version. MIUI. Methods may differ for Android 11 Android 12/13. Make sure that your computer has Xiaomi drivers installed and ADB-Without the right driver, the computer won't be able to recognize the smartphone in debugging mode, and all commands will be ignored.

• 📱 Install the app "ADB Keyboard" or similar if you plan to enter commands directly from your phone (via the phone) OTG terminal emulator).
• 💻 Download. SDK Platform Tools from the official Google website for your PC.
• 🔌 Use the original. USB-cable, as cheap analogues often only support charging.
• 🔋 Charge the device to at least 60% to avoid shutting down at a critical time.

Disable MIUI Optimization through ADB

The most effective way to remove most of the constraints is to disable MIUI Optimization, which is responsible for many visual and functional locks. Android 11 often hides the point to disable it. To get it back, you can try repeatedly clicking on the MIUI version in the Developer Menu, but this method does not work on all firmware.

If the standard method does not work, we use it. ADB-Connect your phone to your PC, open the command line in the folder with ADB And you type in a command to activate the hidden menu, and then you have an additional switch in the developer menu, and turning it off will reboot the phone and change the interface to make it look more like stock Android, and it will also remove some of the restrictions on installing modified apps.

adb shell setprop persist.sys.miui_optimization 0

Once you execute the command, the device will go into reboot, and when you turn on, you will notice changes in the task manager and permission menu, which also often solves the problem of not installing applications from unknown sources that arises after the security update Google Play Protect.

Limitations on changing DPI and permission

One of the popular features for customization is changing the density of the screen (DPI). This allows you to display more content on the screen or, conversely, increase the interface elements. In Android 11 on Xiaomi, the standard slider in the settings often has a limited range. ADB.

To change the parameter, you use the command wm size and wm density. Be careful: setting too high a DPI can make the interface unreadable, and changing the resolution to a non-native one can cause image artifacts. Before you experiment, write down the standard values so you can go back to them.

To set a specific resolution, use the command adb shell wm size 1080x1920. To change the density: adb shell wm density 450. It is important to understand that these changes are valid until the first reboot of the device, if you do not fix them in the system file build.prop, which requires Root rights. However, for temporary use or testing of the interface, this is quite enough.

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Tip: Before changing the DPI, take a picture of the current value or write it down.The standard value for most Xiaomi FullHD screens is in the range of 390-420 dpi. Don't exceed 600, otherwise the text will become microscopic.

Bypassing the folder access lock Android/data

With the release of Android 11, access to the Android/data folder through standard file managers was closed.This creates problems for users who need to clear the Telegram cache, replace files in games or save application data. A direct path to /storage/emulated/0/Android/data now shows an empty folder or access error.

There are several ways to get around this limitation: One is to use special file managers, such as X-plore, Material Files, or MT Manager, which use a system API to request a special permission that gives access to secure directories, and you should follow the on-screen instructions to grant rights when you first start.

The second method is to use ADB to copy files, so you can pull files to your computer, edit them, and download them back, and there's also an "Activity Launcher" method that can run a hidden system file manager that still has full access rights, although it doesn't have a modern interface.

• 📂 Download. MT Manager or X-plore from trusted sources.
• 🔐 When requesting access to files, click "Allow" and confirm the action in the system window.
• 📁 To access OBB-For game files, use the built-in explorer inside the game application itself, if such a function exists.
• 🔄 Clean the cache regularly, as access restriction often interferes with automatic cleaning by the system.

Remember that manipulating files in the data folder can cause game progress to reset or application settings to lose. Always back up important data before deleting or replacing files. The system will not warn you of an error if you delete a critical configuration file.

Hiding the screen cutout (Notch) and setting up the status bar

Many users prefer to hide the cutout under the front camera so that it does not interfere with the view in applications or just for the sake of aesthetics. In the MIUI shell, this feature is often hidden or limited. On Android 11, standard settings may not offer the option of “Hide the cutout”, leaving only a black bar or ignoring.

To unlock all options for the design of the cutout can be used ADB-command that changes the parameter status_bar_hide_notch. This allows you to force the black bar around the cutout, making it visually part of the screen frame, and this is especially true for models with wide cutouts or "drops" that spoil the symmetry of the interface.

adb shell settings put global status_bar_hide_notch 1

Android 11 also has the ability to customize the appearance of icons in the status bar. You can hide NFC icons, alarm clocks, or network type. This is done through the Settings menu → Notifications and Status bar → Network status or similar items that can also be expanded through developer commands. Hiding extra icons makes the interface cleaner and more informative.

⚠️ Warning: Hiding the cutout software does not protect the screen physically.Be careful when using covers that can overlap the camera if the cutout is hidden by a black stripe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Android 11 on Xiaomi imposes strict restrictions, but most of them can be circumvented with the help of the ADB-commands and proper file managers without loss of warranty and Root rights.